Queensland has recorded one new COVID-19 case as the deputy premier plays down fears a freight ship north of Brisbane may be carrying a new strain of the virus.
Steven Miles says it's too soon to determine genomic identification of the strain that has infected the freight ship's crew member.
"I've seen those media reports suggesting it's a new strain. We wouldn't have that kind of information to hand yet," he told reporters on Wednesday.
"The initial testing doesn't provide that level of genomic identification.
"There's no need to be particularly concerned about this case. We've managed a number of ships off our coast with positive cases."
The ship is understood to have sailed from New Zealand earlier in the month and picked up fresh crew members from The Philippines on October 13.
Queensland health officials have asked New Zealand authorities for more information about the ship and crew.
Dr Miles said health workers would continue to follow the state's COVID-19 freight ship protocols and test the remainder of the crew aboard.
Queensland recorded one new COVID-19 case overnight after a returned traveller in hotel quarantine tested positive.
Health officials completed 5889 coronavirus tests in the 24 hours to Wednesday morning.
The state has five active cases and it has been 41 days since the last case was diagnosed in the community.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction's restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, ACT, Tasmania.
